Ronald Ray McKinney, 59, of Spring Valley, California, was found dead by hikers on January 23, 2022, off the roadway in the 3500 block of Millar Ranch Road. Initial reports say he suffered undisclosed trauma; authorities withheld the specific cause of death for investigative reasons. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department opened an immediate investigation.

Weeks later the probe produced arrests: on May 16, 2022, search warrants were executed at two homes and two people were taken into custody and charged with McKinney’s murder. One residence was in El Cajon and the other in Spring Valley; both arrestees were booked into county jails and arraignments were scheduled. Investigators said evidence linked the arrestees to the killing but did not disclose details. The motivations and full circumstances remain under investigation.

If anyone knew McKinney, his movements around January 23, 2022, or has information about this case, please contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.